10 Productive Things To Do When You Are Bored

Here are some ideas on what to do when you have the luxury of some free time

Published On Oct 04, 2022 | Updated On Mar 04, 2024

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In a world that is in a constant rush to reach the finish line, doing nothing is also productive. Among the many things to do when bored, number one is to focus on your mental health. But if you’re feeling fine and just bored silly, we have a list of how to be productive.

Sometimes you may find yourself with ample spare time and wondering what to do in the unexpected free time. The best way to use these precious hours is to nurture your personal and professional development in a way that need not produce immediate outcomes. Instead, it should fuel an intention of productivity.

If you are getting bored, here’s a list of possible things you can do in your free time that will help you be mentally and physically active.

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One of the best things to do when you are bored is to practice self-care. Time is a precious resource that once lost, never returns. So, instead of whiling away endless hours straining your eyes on social media, practice mindfulness. Meditation is a powerful tool that has innumerable health benefits. It calms an anxious mind, leaves you feeling more grateful for every breath you take, and in a happier mood altogether.

You don’t have to sit for hours. Meditating for just 10 minutes of your spare time will help you improve your concentration. If you don’t know how and where to begin, there are plenty of apps that will provide you with the right music to create a soothing ambience for meditation. 

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One of the best things to do when bored is to awaken the Marie Kondo in you. It is a chance to help you declutter things that have been neglected when you were busy with work and commitments. Whether it is tidying up your workspace, your kitchen or even your wardrobe, do it. Having a clutter-free space will help clear up your mind and put you in a better mood. It will instill a sense of accomplishment on days you are getting bored. 

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What to do when you are bored? Sometimes, simply the act of changing your environment will make you feel less bored. Going for a morning walk or an evening run will improve your productivity. The whiff of fresh breeze, sounds of birds chirping and nature’s vibrant colour palette are incentives enough to get your lazy legs moving. One of the best things to do when bored is to put on your walking shoes and step outside to oxygenate your body.

Walking clears the mind, regulates stress levels and aids in weight management. Could there be any more benefits? 

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One of the most productive things to do when bored at home is to gather knowledge. We live in a world where time is money that should not be wasted. Read a book, fictional or educational, to pass your time. If you don’t have a book, the internet is filled with amazing resources that allow you to access insightful content.

You can also choose to listen to a meaningful podcast during your downtime at home. Maybe you can listen to an audiobook on how to be productive. It’s an easy way to learn something new while having fun. 

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The fact that you have the liberty to enjoy unproductive time is worth being thankful for. One of the most productive things to do when bored is to journal. Whether you write things you are grateful for in life or create a memoir of your thoughts, training your brain to stay engaged is key.

There are plenty of small details that we forget in the rut of living life. Stop to smell the roses, take deep breaths and enjoy the little joys of life as you use your free time to stimulate your brain. 

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One of the fun things to do when you are bored is to learn a new skill. It’s 2022, so obviously, you have an internet connection and a plethora of resources at your fingertips. Use this asset when you’re getting bored. YouTube has some great channels that range from DIY crafts to language learning classes and more. When you have the extra time, use it to expand your skill set. Who knows, one day this new hobby could become your side hustle.

Even if you don’t make money from this new skill, it’s worth keeping your mind active, and that’s productive enough. 

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Are you looking for productive things to do when bored? Take advantage of your spare time to check on your loved ones. It’s easy to fall out of touch with old friends when you’re busy with work. So, pick up that phone and chat with your mom. Call your best friend and make plans to meet up. Chances are they were waiting to hear from you.

A small gesture of love will render your unproductive day worthwhile. 

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Wondering how to be productive on your day off? Feed your body with a delicious home-cooked meal. Trust us, there’s nothing more rewarding than a plate of good food. Go to that cooking video you’ve bookmarked for a while now. Whip up a three-course meal, bake that cake you’ve been meaning to make and treat yourself to a fulfilling day of good food.

If you are busy the following day, you can cook and freeze a batch to make life easier. This will save you time and money, and ensure your body is fueled with healthy food instead of packaged junk. 

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Getting bored? Plan your week. It will save you so much time and work-related anxiety on busy days. One of the most productive things to do when you are bored is to plan ahead. It’s always nice to have a schedule. If you cannot remember everything, use a pen and paper to plan your meetings for the week ahead. Or use an app to manage your finances for the week. Stay on top of bill payments, EMI repayments and other savings-related matters. 

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In our list of things to do when bored, developing good habits is key. Find a medium that offers solace to your turbulent mind, and if that medium is music, use it to unwind. Sometimes, to be productive, you need some downtime to recharge your batteries. If it means pouring yourself a glass of wine and listening to Rafi on repeat, give yourself the liberty to enjoy productivity without worrying about an outcome.

Sometimes productivity is about relaxing and reviving yourself for more hectic days that lie ahead. Here are 8 Ways To De-stress With Music Therapy At Home.

This list of how to be productive is curated to help you reduce feelings of boredom without causing burnout. You are free to choose the activities that give you pleasure and skip those that don’t. The definition of productivity is different for every individual; what does it mean to you? If it means rediscovering yourself, here are some Tried-and-Tested: 8 Expert Tips To Master The Art Of Solo Travel Abroad.
 


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